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Miley makes two-inning spring debut against Texas

Offseason acquisitions Cody Ross, Martin Prado and Brandon McCarthy are excited to be in D-backs camp

By William Boor

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Wade Miley made his first Spring Training appearance for the D-backs, and the 2012 National League Rookie of the Year runner-up looked a little rusty.

Miley allowed three runs on three hits and a walk in the Rangers' 7-1 victory Saturday. The left-hander gave up two runs in the first inning, then a long home run to Rangers center fielder Craig Gentry before finishing the afternoon with three consecutive outs.

The home run, which cleared the 390-foot sign in left field, was not the only highlight of the day for Gentry. He finished the day 1-for-1, drew two walks, stole two bases and scored three runs.

"That's my game that I'm going to go out there and try to work on," Gentry said of the stolen base. "I got to get on base and try to get to the next base. It's a goal of mine during Spring Training ... stealing bases."

Right-hander Randall Delgado, competing for the fifth spot in the D-backs' rotation, gave up two runs on three hits and a walk in his two innings.

For the Rangers, it is extremely unlikely Lance Berkman will bat leadoff when the 2013 season begins, but it's working in Spring Training. Prior to game, Berkman joked that the Rangers were undefeated when he was leading off. Texas is now 2-0 in that situation.

Berkman did lead off the game with a walk -- eventually scoring on Nelson Cruz's RBI single -- but strong pitching and fundamental hitting were key for the Rangers on Saturday.

"We did some good things offensively, we did some good things defensively and we really did some good things on the mound," manager Ron Washington said.

Matt Harrison, who was roughed up in his first Spring Training start, turned in a strong performance. The left-hander scattered three hits over three scoreless innings.

"[Keeping the ball down] was a big part of it, especially coming off of my last start where I was getting beat up in the zone," Harrison said. "I tried to get the ball back on the ground, which I was able to do today more consistently."

In his first start of the spring, Harrison allowed four earned runs in one inning. Although it is still very early in camp, Harrison was pleased with his ability to rebound after a poor outing.

"Anytime you have a bad game you definitely want to bounce back as quick as possible, and I was able to do that in my next start," Harrison said. "That's a positive note and that's something I can build on going into my next start."

Up next: The D-backs travel to Scottsdale Stadium to take on the defending world champion Giants. Outfielder Cody Ross is expected to be back in the lineup. Ross was scratched from Friday's lineup with a sore left calf and also was given Saturday off. Josh Collmenter will make his second start of the spring for the D-backs.

William Boor is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.